EX-Z55

EX-Z55

Casio EX-Z55 Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Review posted 10/1/2004

Click on the EX-Z55 to take a QTVR tour

The EX-Z55 ZOOM is the latest addition to Casio's ultra-compact EXILIM series (as of 9/2004.) It shares a 5 Megapixel CCD imager and high-performance 3X Pentax zoom with its brother the EX-Z50, but adds a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen, etc. It features a compact and stylish design wrapped up in a durable aluminum alloy body.

The EX-Z55 combines a 3-segment telescoping lens mechanism that makes it possible to provide 3X optical zoom capabilities in a extremely thin camera and a robust 7-point Multi-Auto Focus system for optimum focusing. It's ready to go in under 2 seconds from being turned on. The big 2.5-inch TFT LCD monitor features a digital interface for a clear display of images. The monitor screen can be used to compose images, and a collection of display features helps to make image viewing easier.

Like all models in the EXILIM series, the EX-Z55 offers superior portability and excellent picture quality, along with extremely high-speed operation for quick response in a variety of shooting situations. For example, its Best Shot function allow users to select settings automatically by choosing from sample scenes. In addition, several new functions have been incorporated to assure a higher level of performance, such as the "Auto Macro" function which automatically switches between Normal and Macro focus modes; "Flash Assist" which operates during flash photography to compensate for brightness levels in darker areas not reached by the flash; "Icon Help" which uses an on-screen display to guide the user during the switching of settings; and the "Business Shot" function which provides automatic correction for photos taken at an angle.

The EX-Z55's supplied docking cradle enables you to charge the proprietary lithium-ion battery pack and transfer images to your computer by simply pressing the USB button. From there, the PhotoLoader software automatically transfers all JPEG and AVI files in image memory to the computer. Pressing the Photo button starts a slide show of images currently in camera memory. The camera can even be set up to display the desired images whenever it is placed on the cradle.

The EX-Z55 can store images in HTML format so they can be viewed easily by any modern web browser. You can record voice memos that can be played back in the camera thanks to its built-in speaker. Photostand mode lets you view a slide show of images with the camera on its cradle. The Calendar feature shows you thumbnails of photos on the day they were taken. World Time lets you select one of 162 cities in 32 time zones as your home or destination time zone. You can also store special photographs or photos you don't want others to see in the "Favorites folder".

In addition to its 9.3 MB of built-in Flash Memory, it also supports the use of SD memory cards and MMC cards (not included). An easy operation copies images between a memory card and built-in memory. You can customize key operations to assign recording mode, exposure compensation, white balance, ISO sensitivity or self-timer functions to the left/right controller buttons. These settings may be changed by simply pressing the left or right control button.

Casio claims the EX-Z55 has a 10% longer battery life than that of the recently reviewed EX-Z40, allowing you to capture up to 400 shots, and a continuous playback time of over 6 hours. Based on CIPA standard battery life measurement (standard procedure for measuring digital still camera battery consumption).

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.